Rookie training camps are beginning to start up, free agent news has pretty much disappeared, outside of Deandre Hopkins recent decision. For the most part, we have an idea of how each team is going to be looking going into this '23-24 season. Feels like it's right around the corner!
With about eight weeks to go until the start to the NFL season, we're going to be bringing you a divisional preview a week until Kansas City and Detroit kick things off for us September 7th. And what a better one to begin with then the AFC North, starting alphabetically with my beloved...
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| Photo: Jessica Rapfugel/ USA Today |
Baltimore Ravens
Tons of question marks surrounding Baltimore's offense going into the offseason, particularly at wide receiver. Eric DeCosta did his best to address this by signing Odell Beckham Jr. and Nelson Agholor in free agency, plus selecting Zay Flowers with the Ravens 22nd overall pick. Suddenly, the position's transformed into at least an area of intrigue, if not a strength.
Lamar Jackson's standing was another area of concern, with the former MVP able to negotiate with other teams as a part of his transition tag. He came to quickly discover that his value on the open market was not quite as high as expected-- at least in not in addition to the two first round picks any signing team would need to send Baltimore's way-- and ultimately inked a five year extension to remain in Charm City. The commitment to providing him NFL-quality weapons in the passing game surely impacted his willingness to return.
This offensive unit should be a productive one, with Lamar's dual threat ability and new weapons outside forcing opposing defenses to play disciplined or get gashed on broken plays. If JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards are regularly available, there really won't be a weak point in this group.
The cornerback room though, that will be an area to keep an eye on. Marlon Humphrey headlines a make shift group, featuring newcomers Rock Ya Sin and Trayvon Mullen, into a division where they'll face Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, George Pickens and Amari Cooper six times this season. Not abuzz with optimism on this front, perhaps a Marcus Peters return is still in the mix.
The rest of the defense is rock solid though, with Roquan Smith at middle linebacker and the Marcus Williams/Kyle Hamilton pairing over the top. Young pass rushers Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo have all the physical tools you'd want on the edge, with the former entering a make or break season, they just need it all to click. Tyus Bowser and Patrick Queen should be consistently interrupting the opposing pocket.
Synopsis/Predictions
Disclaimer: Purple glasses on, but this is a really exciting roster Baltimore has assembled. The offense is explosive at all levels and the defense is an interesting mix of established star power and young potential. A division title is absolutely a realistic expectation.
-Expect some shootouts with a top heavy cornerback group and fast paced offense that can keep up
-Zay Flowers seems like the type of receiver Lamar likes to play with, I see him leading the team in catches, yards, and unfortunately, drops. OBJ/Mark Andrews tie for most touchdowns though
-If JK Dobbins remains healthy, and reports to the team, he'll standout as the lead back over Gus
-Patrick Queen will lead the team in pressures/sacks. He really emerged in that role after the Smith acquisition
Cincinnati Bengals
When your last two seasons end in Super Bowl and AFC Championship losses, there generally isn't a ton you want to change up on the roster. Such is the fleeting luxury of making such playoff runs with a bunch of rookie deals. With Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins entering their final years on first contracts, it does sort of feel like the final chapter of this Bengals team as we know them.
Obviously, the organization isn't letting Mr. Shiesty go anywhere, but the Bengals have really limited cap space this season and moving forward. Their fan base seems wholly convinced that the QB will be taking a team friendly deal to help keep the supporting cast around, but that seems to be wishful thinking at this point.
Joe Mixon freed up a little money recently for the team by restructuring his contract, probably saving his roster spot in the process, so that should help. Don't be surprised if he cedes carries to rookie Chase Brown as the season goes along though. The Chase-Higgins-Boyd trio should be as potent as ever at receiver, and it'll be worth keeping an eye on how Irv Smith Jr. integrates himself into the pass catchers. A dangerous bunch here.
On the flip side of the ball, Trey Hendrickson, DJ Reader and Sam Hubbard lay the foundation for an effective D line. The trio have really helped this group to overachieve at critical points over the last two seasons. Eli Apple and Jessie Bates are gone, being replaced by rookie DJ Turner and second year safety Dax Hill, potentially adding some youthful burst to the defense. On paper, it's far from an elite unit, but recent history has shown us that Lou Anarumo always finds a way to get the most out of them.
Synopsis/Predictions
No excuse this team can't win the North, especially if Orlando Brown Jr. can really solidify the left tackle position. I don't think this team is as talented across the board as Baltimore, but they're very strong in their areas of strength. At a minimum, a wildcard spot should be in their future.
-Ja'Marr Chase seems poised for an explosion after racking up a modest 1,046 yards in '22-23. Expect the extra targets to come from Boyd however, not Higgins, who'll be looking to shine in a contract year
-Joe Mixon seems to be in the news a lot these days, and rarely for positive things. It wouldn't shock me if he loses his role as lead dog at some point this year. He's expensive, plays the most replaceable position in the league, is seemingly not a great human being and has averaged under four yards a carry cumulatively the last three seasons. What more do I need to say?
-I think Dax Hill should have a relative breakout season. The second year Michigan alum played sparingly behind Jessie Bates as a rookie, but will have a much more defined role this go round. Look for him to make a few splash plays for this defense
Cleveland Browns
Very interesting season upcoming in Cleveland, first and foremost for Deshaun Watson. The embattled quarterback only played in six games a year ago, averaging less than 200 passing yards per game with a 7:5 TD:INT ratio. Not exactly the production you're looking for from a guy you traded three first round picks for... But he did improve as he got more playing time, posting his highest YPA and touchdowns thrown in the final two weeks of action. Something encouraging for the Dawg Pound.
Kareem Hunt was not resigned, leaving Nick Chubb as lead dog in the backfield; a role not unfamiliar to #24. He'll surely get the lion's share of the carries with Jerome Ford and Demetric Felton Jr. occasionally spelling the RB1. Perhaps an undrafted dark horse could emerge as the true backup?
Watson's pass catchers have some upside though, with Elijah Moore joining Amari Cooper, Donovan Peoples-Jones and the recently extended David Njoku. Will he be able to recapture the magic he showed as a rookie in New York? Cooper showed good chemistry with his quarterback in their six games to end last season, which we expect to translate over to this year. Should open up some favorable matchups for Moore and DPJ.
Za'Darius Smith and Dalvin Tomlinson bringing their talents from Minnesota to Cleveland will provide a huge boost to a run defense that allowed 135 yards per game in '22-23. Throw in Myles Garrett and it's a top tier line. JOK is a fun piece at linebacker, and the cornerback tandem of Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome II will be above average at least. Safety is a question mark though, with Grant Delpit having an up and down start to his career and free agent addition Juan Thornhill being...decent. A strong pass rush will undoubtedly help their performance.
Synopsis/Predictions
The Browns are going to go as far as their quarterback play will take them. Chubb is going to be the steady workhorse that he always is, Garrett is going to get 15+ sacks, the defense as a whole should be alright. If the passing game can balance the offense then this team could make some noise.
-Nick Chubb will break his career high for total touchdowns that he set last season. That'd only require him finding paydirt 14 times, a fairly modest mark all considered
-Elijah Moore will set a career high for receiving yards, currently set at just 538 yards. He put up that number at 12.5 yards a clip for the Jets
-The Browns will add at least ten sacks to their '22-23 total of 34
Pittsburgh Steelers
It's amazing that Mike Tomlin always manages to keep this team .500 or better. Last season's effort may have been his finest; one of the tougher divisions in football, with a rookie QB and arguably the weakest roster he's had to work with in his career. Hats off to the man. One would think they'd take steps forward as a group this year right?
Kenny Pickett will be the driving force of whatever direction they go. While he absolutely provided a spark to this offense a year ago, he was statistically very inefficient. A full offseason in the system plus entering training camp as "the guy" should help him to improve upon those numbers.
Taking Broderick Jones in the first round of this most recent draft will go a long way too, potentially solidifying a perennially weak offensive line. This could give Najee Harris some consistent room to work for the first time in his young career, providing balance and production for the group. George Pickens is set for a huge sophomore campaign too, with improved quarterback play of course.
Pittsburgh's defense was middle of the pack in '22-23 but have some reasons for optimism this upcoming season. Joey Porter Jr. falling to them in the second round was possibly the steal of the draft; he, Minkah Fitzpatrick and free agent signee Patrick Peterson should be a fair trio in the secondary. Alex Highsmith and TJ Watt are going to get theirs in the sack game too, as long as the latter can remain healthy. Pretty strong group across the board here.
Synopsis/Predictions
The Steelers went 9-8 in a season where their best defensive player missed over a third of the season and a Mitch Trubisky/Pickett platoon under center. So impressive... The roster has gotten better while gaining experience, which should translate to a competitive product on the field. Not sure they'll surpass 9-8, but they have an opportunistic schedule for it.
-Expect marked improvements from Kenny Pickett in multiple facets of the game, but he'll also toss at least a dozen picks
-I like George Pickens and Najee Harris to record double digit TD's this season, just feels like they're due to each breakout a little
-JPJ snags three+ interceptions from opposing quarterbacks, he's an exciting player with a chip on his shoulder
Wrap Up
Like last year, I can't see any team winning less than seven games. This will be a highly competitive division from top to bottom, with each of the six interdivisional matchups holding a ton of weight come December.
Give me the Ravens to win it, putting everything together for their first complete season since 2020. The Bengals will make it an interesting battle for the AFC North, falling just short as they settle for a wildcard spot.
Cleveland and Pittsburgh just miss out on the playoffs again, but will be in the hunt late.
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@Choppinglines
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